leadership

Jan 10 2013

The Business Mind

Despite our recent elections, and the return to business as usual in Washington, many of us are still holding our economic breath. While politicians argue over “fiscal cliffs,” many of us are waiting for a signal that the economy can begin chugging again in earnest. Breaking the grip of this lethargy demands that the American entrepreneur recapture and re-internalize the mindset of a leader.

Sep 13 2011

Frequent and more positive leadership experiences

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Girl Scouts of the USA CEO Designate, Anna Maria Chavez, addressed the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and released key findings about Hispanic girls by the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI). In “The Resilience Factor: A Key to Leadership in African American and Hispanic Girls,” Girl Scouts found that African American and Hispanic girls aspired to leadership more than Caucasian girls and had more frequent and more positive leadership experiences.

Cynthia E. Griffin-  |   OW Managing Editor
Mar 31 2011

Young girls need foundation to get ready for leadership training

As Women’s History Month comes to a close, one key concern to keep in mind is making sure that the development of Black girls, who can serve as future leaders, is taking place.

And while it is critical to include girls identified by and involved in informal training programs operated by organizations such as the Helping our Teen Girls (HOTGIRLS) of Atlanta, Black sororities and other nonprofits, it is also vital to nurture those who through their own independent actions demonstrate leadership potential and capabilities.

Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Mar 11 2010

Black America calling for “A Black Agenda”: Mr. President, just answer the phone

There has been much ado about the very public feud television commentator Tavis Smiley is having with civil rights activist Al Sharpton over Tavis’ criticism of Black leadership reportedly saying that President Barack Obama doesn’t need a “Black agenda” after recently visiting the White House. It’s caused a firestorm of controversy  and a revival of the annual State of the Black Union conference that Smiley had discontinued.

Anthony Asadullah Samad, Ph.D.  |   OW Contributing Columnist
Feb 18 2010

Leadership succession in the Black community: Congresswoman Diane Watson did it right

Last week, California Representative Diane Watson announced she would not seek re-election to her 33rd Congressional District seat. It was a much-anticipated announcement after months of “rumors” that she would. Diane Watson is one of the most respected elected officials in the history of California black politics. She was the first black woman elected to the Los Angeles Unified School District, and the first black woman to the California Senate.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

California
San Diego college students and volunteers will carry out their sixth home restoration project on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14. as part of the “Healing our Heroes’ Homes” (H3) program created by the nonprofit Embrace. The five-day effort will take place at the home of medically retired Marine Corps Capt. Sarah Bettencourt. Bettencourt served with many different units across the country during the Global War on Terrorism and developed a rare neurological disorder in 2008. With a focus to restore the homes of disabled veteran homeowners, H3 falls in line with Embrace’s mission to mobilize college-student volunteers and community members to serve less fortunate members of civilian and veteran communities. The project for the Bettencourts’ home includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, building ADA-compliant disability ramps, widening their driveway to ADA standards, widening doorways and landscaping.
 
District of Columbia
The 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will showcase its five-year community research project on African American identity with the program “The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity.” This multicity collaboration examines the history and culture of the aesthetics of African Americans. The festival will be held June 26-30 and July 3-7, outdoors on the National Mall between Seventh and 14th streets. “Whether we realize it or not, we are all dress artists. The way we compose our look is a creative expression of our ideas about who we are and who we aspire to be,” said Diana N’Diaye, program curator. “This program explores the diversity of African American traditions of style, but also teaches young people the importance of documenting their own culture and saving that information for themselves and future generations.”